[Big Light]

Sad news  -Joe Henson ( Countryfiles Adams father) Passed away today  - a man that did a lot for rare breeds over the years - Here's the FB release by Cotswold farm Park -
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Joe Henson. Joe passed away peacefully after a short illness, surrounded by close family.
 Having taken on the tenancy of Bemborough Farm in 1962 with his old school friend, John Neave, Joe’s desire to breed pedigree livestock and his pioneering interest in rare breed conservation led to the opening of Cotswold Farm Park in 1971. Working with a number of like-minded conservationists, Joe was instrumental in the foundation of the Rare Breed’s Survival Trust (RBST) of which he became founder Chairman in 1973. The example set by Joe, and the work of the RBST, has ensured that no breeds of farm animal have become extinct since the Trust’s foundation. As a lifelong champion of farming and education, Joe received an MBE for his services to rare breed conservation in 2011. Joe Henson’s enduring legacy is the widespread recognition of the importance of genetic diversity and the resurgence of rare and traditional breeds.
 Joe was much loved by his family, friends and the farming community and will be sorely missed. We ask that the family’s privacy is respected during this sad time.

[Victorian Farmer]

Great man was at hexam a couple of yeres back whith him. Fantastic rare breed work

[doganjo]

Saw him on the programme a couple of times and thought what a lucky chap Adam is to have a Dad like that. He and all the family will miss him greatly. RIP Mr Henson

[Bionic]

Very sad

[waterbuffalofarmer]

That is so sad, he did a lot of work for this nation, by preserving some of the rarest breeds of livestock. he will be greatly missed

[Fleecewife]

So sad.  But what a life he lived, and what a difference he made to farm livestock. He was a true one-off 

[Penninehillbilly]

A sad loss, but he's left behind a great legacy.

[kelly58]

When he was with Adam on Countryfile you could tell he was a caring passionate man about his animals.
RIP Joe 

[nimbusllama]

I met him a year ago at the Castlemilk Moorit AGM.... a lovely man who will never be forgotten, very sad.

[devonlady]

Heaven rest him. Thank God he has a son just as keen to follow in his footsteps. I would think he would regard the best tribute to his life would be for all who can to keep rare breeds.

[Marches Farmer]

Saw him at the Royal Three Counties this year, zipping about on one of those scooter things.  He saw what was happening at the most critical time for native breeds and did lots of sensible things to help keep them going.  A life that's really made a difference to the future.

[Rosemary]

Big loss and sad for his friends and family - but what a legacy he's left.

[john and helen]

without knowing it, how many has he inspired……a very sad loss, but his legacy will live on

[Carse Goodlifers]

When you saw him on Countryfile or any other programme talking about rare breeds, the enthusiasm flowed out of him by the gallon.
I know he helped save the English Longhorn (as well as many other breeds) and his daughter was the society secretary for many years.
I always thought that if you ever got the chance to speak to him, you would probably find yourself there for days speaking to him - the knowledge, the experience, the love for rare breed stock and poultry. 
A big loss but as has been said - thankfully he has children and grandchildren who share his passion and love.

[nimbusllama]

A memorial service for Joe will be held at Cirencester Church on Tuesday 20th October at 1.15 pm.